PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
Vasto
Pilot
updated Aug 2010- Vasto (Porto di Punta Penna) pilot boarding Pilot boards42°10.9′N 014°43.8′E
Pilotage is compulsory for vessels over 500GT or exceeding 60m in length and under the control of the harbour master. Pilot boards 1nm NE of Punta Penna Lighthouse. Contact on VHF Ch 16, 12. Tel: +39 0873 310340 Fax: +39 0873 310322.
Key data
updated Dec 2025Size limits
LOA 209.79m, Beam 32.2m, Draught 5.9m, 49,513DWT.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Summer.
Tides
Range 0.3m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasto Terminal | 6.70 m | 185 m | 1 |
| Punta Penna Terminal | — | 195 m | 2 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated Dec 2025Approach
Directions: The harbour is entered from NE passing between: The head of Molo di Levante on which stands a light (red column, 7m in height) and the head of Molo di Ponente on which stands a light (green column, 7m in height).
Useful marks: Light (red column, 6m in height) on head of Molo Martello.
Light (green column, 7m in height) on head of curved spur on Molo di Ponente.
Light (green column, 6m in height) on head of inner spur on Molo di Ponente.
Anchorages
Anchorage point for merchant ships : 42°10'30'' N 14°45'30'' E, area within 0.5 miles radius of this point
Anchorage point for ships with dangerous/flammable/polluting cargo : 42°10'30'' N 14°45'30'' E, area within 0.5 miles radius of this point
Restrictions
Navigation and movements in the harbour by vessels whose length exceeds 90m can only take place during daylight hours.
Permission must be obtained from the port authority prior to entry.
Tugs
Compulsory for all vessels exceeding LOA 85m and tankers carrying or having carried dangerous or noxious liquid substances in bulk, and for all vessels over 500GT when Banchina di Ponente is occupied by a tanker with a dangerous cargo.
Vessels of less than 120m in length are exempt from employing a tug, if fitted with twin screws with bow thrusters or single screw with bow and stern thrusters.
There are 2 tugs, 1 x 800hp and 1 x 400hp available.
Mooring
Western quay : 210m, ship permitted for mooring 170m all out mooring is permitted for ships carrying dangerous, flammable and polluting cargo at a safety distance of 50m from other units.
Shore quay : 345m, maximum vessel length allowed for mooring 170m.
Hours of operation : Vessel over 90m length overall cannot perform manoeuvring at night.
Charts and publications
BA 1443, 200. Admiralty Pilot NP47, NP286(3).
Reporting before arrival
updated Aug 2010Communications
VHF: Port Control: Ch 16, 12.
Telephone calls should be directed via Ancona Radio.
Health
Free pratique can be applied for by radio.
Notices and regulations
Special regulations are in force for tankers of 1,600GT and over carrying petroleum, gas and other flammable cargoes, either totally or partially laden and including those empty but not yet declared gas free. All such vessels are required to send a report to the port captain before entering territorial waters, maintain contact with him, advising him of any navigational defects, and to employ a pilot outside compulsory pilotage areas whenever conditions of cargo or navigation require.
Inspections
Port State Control here: Paris MOU.
Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.
ISPS
ISPS Designated Authority: Italian Coast Guard Headquarters, Legal Department.
Address: Viale dell'Arte 16, I-00146 Rome, Italy.
Tel: +39 06 590 841 87.
Fax: +39 06 596 482 93.
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.guardiacostiera.gov.it
For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated Dec 2025Repairs
Available.
Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available.
Bunkering: Available by road tanker.
Medical
Hospital at Vasto, 7km.
Transport
Nearest airport: Pescara, 65km.
Nearest railway: Vasto Port, 0.8km.
Working hours
Normally 0800-1200hrs, 1400-1700hrs, overtime available on request.
About Vasto
updated May 2010Where it is
Vasto is situated on the W side of Punta Penna on the Adriatic coast, N of Bari and approx 285km E of Rome.
The port
The port is protected by 2 moles (Ponente and Levante), which have facilities for the loading and discharging of ships. There is also a small Ro-Ro berth near to the entrance of the harbour. Part of the East Quay is reserved for the use of fishing vessels. Passengers are disembarked at the East Quay. The depth of water in the harbour varies from 5.0-10.0m.
There is a large area for cargo handling/operations located on the Banchina di Riva.
Questions about Vasto
Where does the pilot board at Vasto?
The pilot boards at Vasto (Porto di Punta Penna) pilot boarding, 42°10.9′N 014°43.8′E.
What time zone is Vasto in?
Local time at Vasto is UTC+1. Clocks go to UTC+2 on 28 Mar 2027. Back to UTC+1 on 31 Oct 2027.
What is the maximum draft at Vasto?
The deepest berth listed is at Vasto Terminal: 6.70 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at Vasto?
1025.
Which load line zone is Vasto in?
Summer.
Who carries out Port State Control at Vasto?
Port State Control at Vasto: Paris MOU.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Vasto?
The UN/LOCODE of Vasto is ITVSO.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at Vasto say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.